The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a critical game for their playoff hopes, and could have quarterback Aaron Rodgers back in the saddle.
The team announced on Friday that Rodgers would be listed as questionable for their Sunday game against the Chicago Bears. The veteran quarterback had been limited in practice after suffering a fractured wrist, but could be ready to return against a team he has dominated during his time in the NFL.
Aaron Rodgers Making Good Progress
Rodgers was able to participate in the team’s final practice of the week on a limited basis, and it remains unclear whether he will actually take the field against the Bears. The 41-year-old said on Wednesday that it would come down to pain management.
Rodgers added that he has made good progress toward returning, spending the week focusing on healing.
“It feels better than it did Sunday, that’s for sure,” Rodgers told reporters, via ESPN. “… Was thankful to get today to work with [head athletic trainer Gabe Amponsah] and just focus on rehab for today. Trying to get back on the field tomorrow and see what I can do.”
Jacob Punturi of SI.com reported that Rodgers will likely face some limitations if he does take the field against the Bears.
“For Rodgers, the main thing is about protecting that injured wrist and working through those challenges,” Punturi wrote. “If he does play, he’ll wear some type of bracing to protect that wrist, but how will it hold up over the course of the game? Not only that, but will his ability to move and command the offense be impacted negatively by whatever precautions he takes?”
Rodgers hinted at those limitations, telling reporters that he was still unable to go under center during practices this week.
“I would say it’d be more difficult to take a snap under center than to catch one in the gun,” he said. “And there’s been times in my career where we have adjusted and gone to some pistol sets if we need to still keep the spacing on the run distribution between the halfback and the quarterback, but the goal would be to take snaps from under center.”
The Steelers at 6-4 are just one game ahead of the surging Baltimore Ravens, and a loss to the Bears could drop them out of the playoff race entirely.
Aaron Rodgers Familiar With Chicago
Rodgers is very familiar with Chicago from his time with the Green Bay Packers, with a 24-5 lifetime record against the Bears. The veteran quarterback told reporters this week that he’s enjoyed the success he found in the Windy City and is excited to play in front of their fans again.
“It’s a great rivalry. … When I first got to Green Bay, the Bears had the all-time series lead. When I left, [the] Packers did,” Rodgers said. “Since [Jordan] J-Love has taken over, it’s even gotten better, but I hope those fans can put that behind ’em. I’m sure they can’t, don’t expect ’em to, but I really enjoy the city.”
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